LA PAZ, AGUSAN DEL SUR — A high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed following a series of armed encounters with government forces in the hinterlands of Sitio Tacocon, Barangay Kasapa II, La Paz, Agusan del Sur, on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The fatality was identified as Bonifacio Lutawan, also known by his alias “Tado,” 50, a native of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. Military authorities described him as a senior official and commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Jeorge Jallorina, commander of the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion of the Philippine Army, troops engaged NPA fighters in two successive clashes after conducting intelligence-driven operations in the boundary areas of Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur.
“The encounter was the result of sustained monitoring and focused operations against high-value targets,” Jallorina said. “Alias ‘Tado’ had long been under surveillance and was among our top priorities for neutralization.”
Military reports stated that operating units encountered armed members of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in the remote areas of Sitio Tacocon. After an exchange of gunfire, government forces pursued the fleeing rebels toward the northeastern section of the area, leading to the death of Lutawan and the recovery of one M653 rifle.
The 8th Infantry Division confirmed that the location is a known transit route used by NPA combatants, making it a frequent focus of security operations.
Following the clash, soldiers secured the area and ensured that the remains of the deceased were handled in accordance with standard military and humanitarian protocols. The body was transported to a hospital and later to a nearby funeral home. The 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade coordinated with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and other agencies to inform the family and provide burial assistance.
Relatives of Lutawan arrived in the area in the following days to claim his remains. Family members expressed grief over his death, as funeral preparations were underway.
Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism.
“This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to dismantle the remaining armed threat groups in Northern Mindanao,” Tubalado said. “While this incident is unfortunate, we continue to appeal to the remaining members of the Communist terrorist groups to surrender and live peacefully within their communities.”
He extended condolences to the families affected by the incident and reiterated the military’s call for rebels to abandon armed struggle and reintegrate into society.
The 8th Infantry Battalion said it will sustain its offensive and community-based operations to restrict the movement of insurgents and prevent their reorganization in the region. Jallorina emphasized that troops remain determined to help end insurgency in Bukidnon and neighboring provinces within the timeframe set by higher headquarters.
Military officials stressed that all operations are being carried out with due regard for human rights, discipline, and the protection of civilians, as government forces continue efforts to secure communities from the influence of communist armed groups in Northern Mindanao.